Aurora details growth, housing incentives and downtown projects as population nears 200,000

Aurora officials say the city is growing and taking steps to expand housing, public safety and downtown amenities as it seeks a more accurate population count.

"Right now we're officially at about 185,000 people. We think we're closer to 200,000," John Zagluol, communications manager for the City of Aurora, told Chicago Live. He said the city plans to pursue a special census recount to update its official population figures.

Zagluol highlighted several initiatives tied to growth: two new fire stations recently opened (discussed earlier with Deputy/Interim Fire Chief Kevin Nickel), a homebuyer incentive program offering $25,000-plus to attract residents, and a number of residential developments in early construction or planning stages.

Named projects and developments he mentioned include Del Webb senior residences in the Lincoln Crossing community, Prairie Crossing (a 55-plus community), new townhomes off Orchard Road and a development with a gas station and additional townhomes near I‑88 and Orchard Road. Zagluol said the city’s development services and economic development teams work directly with builders to meet rising housing demand.

Downtown Aurora also drew attention: Zagluol called the Paramount Theatre an anchor with about 38,000 subscribers, cited River Edge Park's recent multimillion-dollar renovation and said the city expects announcements tied to the park and concert series. He also noted the casino will relocate off I‑88 and Farnsworth Avenue.

On technology and economic development, Zagluol said the city is strengthening a fiber‑optic ring under Aurora and providing Wi‑Fi at River Edge Park for concertgoers. He described the I‑88 corridor as a growing tech hub that is attracting companies and new construction.

Zagluol framed these efforts as necessary to provide housing and services as Aurora grows, and credited cross-department coordination for planning and implementation. He did not provide firm timelines or funding breakdowns for the specific developments mentioned.